US lawmakers want response to Russia's interference in election, actions in Ukraine and Syria

Senior Democratic and Republican US lawmakers want Washington to respond to Russia's alleged interference in the US election and actions in Ukraine and Syria, according to Reuters.

Senator Ben Cardin, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said on Wednesday he was working on "comprehensive" legislation to respond to Russian actions contrary to US interests in Europe and Syria, as well as cyber attacks blamed on Moscow during the campaign.

"Whether you attack us by MiG (fighter jet) or by mouse, it's an attack. It requires a response. It's clear that they were responsible for the cyber attack on our country in this past election," he added.

Cardin declined to provide specifics about his legislation ahead of a planned speech on Thursday on Russia policy. When asked if it would include additional sanctions, he said: "It will be comprehensive."

Other lawmakers have also called for action against Russia.

On Tuesday, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, one of his party's senior foreign policy voices, told reporters he wanted Senate hearings on whether Russian President Vladimir Putin interfered in the election.